On Friday, 17 November 2017, the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange between Belgium, Luxembourg, and the United States of America. The MoU was signed at the United States (US) Embassy in Luxembourg in the presence of representatives from the organisations and governments of both countries.
This joint agreement strengthens the collaboration in science and research between the two nations with the goal to achieve world-class scientific and technical results as well as educational and cultural exchange.
Through this MoU, the two organisations will co-fund grants for research visits of Luxembourgish pre-doctoral (PhD students), post-doctoral and senior researchers at US academic institutions within the framework of the prestigious Fulbright Awards programme.
Fulbright Awards: Academic Excellence and International Exchange
“The Fulbright Program is the flagship scholarship programme promoting international exchange between the United States and over 160 countries worldwide”, explains Kerri Hannan, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Luxembourg. She continues:” It fosters and promotes academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange.”
Marc Schiltz, Secretary General of the FNR adds: “Academic excellence and international collaboration are also of utmost importance to the FNR. Together with our existing partnership with the US National Science Foundation, this new bilateral agreement with the Fulbright Commission strengthens our cooperation with the United States.”
Call for Applications for the Academic Year 2018-2019
The Fulbright Commission will have the lead in this bilateral cooperation, which means that all applications will be submitted to and evaluated by it, though both organisations will have to agree on the funding decision. In the case of approval, FNR and Fulbright shall proceed to co-fund the successful Luxembourgish applications.
Erica Lutes, Director of the Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States of America, Belgium and Luxembourg, is looking forward to collaborate with FNR in supporting joint research between the US and Luxembourg nationals, offering the possibility for researchers to build and strengthen ties in areas of mutual interest between both countries.